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Principal Autonomy Software Engineer

University of Dayton Research Institute
Dayton, OH Contractor
POSTED ON 7/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 12/2/2026
Position Summary

Join the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) - Autonomy Systems division and lead groundbreaking research that transforms how autonomous systems operate in complex environments. As a Principal Autonomy Software Engineer, will be responsible for researching and developing practical multi-vehicle autonomous solutions across a variety of projects.

Multi-vehicle Autonomous Controls research involves coordinating, synchronizing, and overseeing groups of autonomous vehicles involving control theory, computer science, and human factors.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical engineering, Aerospace, Computer Science or equivalent
  • 10 years of experience in research within the US Defense Industry (DoD or related)
  • Successful experience with modern C
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen and cannot hold dual citizenship
  • Eligibility to obtain a United States SECRET clearance (or higher) is required for ongoing employment in this position

Preferred Qualifications

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

  • MS degree, or higher, in related field
  • 13 years of experience in research within the US Defense Industry (DoD or related)
  • Experience interacting with Air Force customers or clients
  • Experience with full software lifecycle

Demonstrated, successful experience programming in algorithm level languages such as Matlab/Simulink, Python or similar

  • Demonstrated, successful experience developing software to communicate and exchange information (e.g. commands, status, data) with hardware devices, sensors, and/or systems
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with source code version control systems such as Git, Subversion, or similar
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with software development practices such as Agile, Scrum, or similar
  • Demonstrated, successful experience developing complex systems of systems (SoS) by integrating disparate software and hardware systems from multiple vendors
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with sensing modalities including Electro Optical (EO), Infrared (IR), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Moving Target Indicator (MTI), Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI), LiDAR, or polarimetric imaging (PI)
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with embedded systems design and programming, including Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
  • Demonstrated, successful experience with developing, integrating and maintaining multi int Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems at high levels of technological readiness
  • Demonstrated, successful experience leading technical teams in solving complex computer engineering problems.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and interacting with 6DOF models.
  • Experience with Multi-agent cooperative path planning
  • Active US SECRET (or higher) clearance

Special Instructions To Applicants

To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.

Closing Statement

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.

Hourly Wage Estimation for Principal Autonomy Software Engineer in Dayton, OH
$61.00 to $74.00
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